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Writer's pictureJohn Starling

Reciting al-Fatihah in Prayer

Updated: May 28, 2020


Q: Should one recite fatiha in prayer behind the Imam according to the madhab?

A: Reciting al-Fatiha is a pillar in each rak'ah of prayer and therefore must be recited by the Imam and person praying alone.


The Imam will bare this responsibility for the follower for whom it is preferred to be recited during the Imam’s pause after it. This can be done even if he pauses simply to catch his breath. Breaking up Al-Fatiha over multiple pauses is not blameworthy. If the Imam does not pause, allowing the follower time to recite it, it is dislike to do so when the Imam is reciting.


It must be recited with all it's shaddahs (doubled consonants) in it's proper order. If one of it's shaddahs is missed, that particular word must be recited again immediately. If not, it must be repeated in its entirety.

Source: Sharh al-Muntaha, Kashshaf

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